Signs That Your Plumbing Fixtures Need to Be Repaired

2/14/2019

Your plumbing is one system in the house that you often overlook. When you turn the knob on the bathroom faucet, you expect a rush of cold water to greet your awaiting hands. If that doesn’t happen, you become frustrated and annoyed.

 

Surprisingly, your plumbing system often provides advanced notice of issues like water blockages or low pressure. If you choose to ignore the signs, then you invite problems into your home.

 

However, if you catch the warning signs early enough and schedule prompt plumbing repairs, you could save yourself a world of trouble (not to mention lots of money). First, you must know the signs that indicate your plumbing fixtures need repairs.

Plumbing Repair Signs and Symptoms

Your plumbing system will provide quite a few noticeable signs of impending failure. If you know what to look for, you can schedule prompt plumbing repairs to resolve the issue now. Or, you could wait for the issue to worsen, and then when your bathroom is without water, pay even more for repairs. The choice is yours to make. We know which one we would choose, though.

• Odd Noises – Your plumbing system may not be entirely silent. However, it usually doesn’t knock or sputter. If you hear a telltale knocking sound from within the pipes while you shower or run the faucet, you have one of the numerous plumbing issues affecting modern households. You may be dealing with loose valves, increased water pressure, or loose supports.
  
• Low Water Pressure – When you turn on the faucet or shower, you should be greeted with a strong stream of water. If you wind up with nothing but a slow drip, then you have low water pressure. The cause is likely a clog in the faucet or showerhead. Use a plastic bag of vinegar to clean out the fixture.
  
• Constant Dripping – A constant dripping sound throughout the house from a single fixture can be more than a mild annoyance. A constant dripping is likely due to increased water pressure, improper drainage, or a broken water valve.

Average Plumbing Lifespans

Another sign that your plumbing fixtures may require repairs is their age. The older a faucet, the more likely that repairs will be necessary shortly. Therefore, it pays to know the average lifespans of some of your most-used plumbing fixtures.

• Toilet – A toilet only needs to be replaced once the bowl cracks. You may need to replace internal parts more frequently, though. For example, the flappers, trip levers, fill valves, and fitting should be replaced every four to five years.
  
• Water Heater – A water heater is designed to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, although tankless water heaters last up to 20. Maintenance can extend the life of any water heater, so keep up with cleaning and repairs.
  
• Garbage Disposal – The often-used garbage disposal in the kitchen should be replaced after about 10 years.

When the time comes for professional plumbing repairs, look no further than bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio. You can schedule fixture repairs and replacements by calling 210-876-1629!